Chapter 39
Lucian Ashford clicked his tongue and jogged after them. “She’s right, you know! It’s completely inappropriate for you to manhandle her like this now that you’re divorced! Here, Ms. Sinclair, let me carry you!”
“Back off!”
“Back off!”
The ex-couple snapped in unison—one with fury burning in his eyes, the other with embarrassment flushing her cheeks.
Lucian couldn’t help but smirk. These two are still so in sync.
At the hospital, Evelyn was wheeled into the examination room while Zachary and Lucian waited outside.
“Damn, Zach. What the hell were you thinking? She’s not some sack of potatoes you can toss around. Were you trying to dislocate her shoulder?” Lucian shook his head in disbelief.
Zachary’s jaw tightened. “How did you know she was working there?” His voice was icy, laced with something dangerous.
“I was grabbing lunch and spotted her. Before I got there, she’d been hauling crates at the loading dock like some dockworker. You wouldn’t believe it—the former Mrs. Blackwood, sweating buckets like a common laborer.” He chuckled, admiration creeping into his tone. “No tantrums, no entitlement. Just pure grit. She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met.”
Zachary’s fists clenched. “You clearly haven’t met enough women.”
“At least I recognize a gem when I see one,” Lucian shot back, unfazed.
Zachary’s chest constricted, his pulse erratic.
Lucian tilted his head. “Seriously, though. You two are going to end up back together.”
“Impossible,” Zachary rasped.
“Please. You rushed here like a man possessed. You’re obsessed, whether you admit it or not.” Lucian crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. “And this whole act? Pathetic. You dumped her for your ex, yet you lose your mind seeing her move on. Don’t tell me you’re trying to pull a Reginald Whitmore and collect wives like trophies.”
“She promised my grandfather she’d wait until after his birthday to finalize the divorce. She needs to honor that.”
“She only said that to spare an old man’s feelings. Holding her to it now? That’s just cruel.”
“Stay out of it.” Zachary’s breathing turned ragged.
“Normally, I would. But I like Evelyn. A lot. So here’s the deal—if you change your mind about Vanessa and decide to fight for her, I’ll back off. No hard feelings.” Lucian met his gaze, uncharacteristically serious. “But if you marry Vanessa and still harass Evelyn? I won’t hesitate to kick your ass. For her sake.”
Zachary’s expression darkened like a gathering storm.
“Zachary Blackwood!”
A furious shout echoed down the corridor. Zachary barely had time to turn before—
